Gil Spencer: Democrats, Republicans debate Voter ID

Welcome to the new PA Voter ID Information Center where our crack team of bipartisan experts will answer all your questions about what youíll need to vote in next monthís election.

(In the spirit of full transparency we identify our own expertsí political leanings so readers can evaluate for themselves the quality of their thoughts and advice. Fair and balanced R US.)

Question: I donít have a photo ID yet. Where can I get one?

Answer 1 (Dem): At any PennDOT center. But make sure you have your birth certificate and proof of address, otherwise not only will you be mocked and sent away, you may be deported to the country of your ancestors.

Answer 2 (GOP): At any Dennyís Restaurant.

Q: What happens if I go to to the polls on Election Day and donít have a photo ID?

(GOP): You will be given a provisional ballot and allowed to vote anyway. Ultimately, in order to have your vote count youíll need to fax, email or show up at your local election bureau with proof of proper ID.

(DEM): We will lose the election. Mitt Romney will be president. And the rich will come to your house and take everything you have.

Q: Isnít this new law specifically designed to depress the Democratic vote?

(DEM): Of course it is. Why else do you think the Republican state legislature passed it and a Republican governor signed it into law?

(GOP): This law was passed to prevent voter fraud and insure the integrity of ballot box. Democrats donít like it because its their voters who are more likely to commit voter fraud.

(DEM): I resent that. Show me one case of proven voter fraud.

(GOP): Just one? In Maryland, a Democratic candidate for Congress, Wendy Rosen, recently admitted to voting in two states and had to drop out of the race because of it.

(DEM): I mean in Pennsylvania.(GOP): There are some polling places in Philadelphia that have a 105 percent turnout rate. How does that happen without some level of voter fraud?

(DEM): Next question, please.Q: The new law is being reviewed by a Commonwealth Court judge to determine if it is legal. What is his decision likely to be?

(GOP): Given that the law already provides for a provisional ballot, I expect heíll uphold it. After all, the U.S. Supreme Court has already reviewed a similar Voter ID law in Indiana and found it perfectly legal.

(DEM): The judge has signaled that he will grant some sort of injunction, blocking at least some provisions of this illegal, discriminatory and hateful law. If there is any justice in this country, he will do so.

Q: Isnít this law just a reaction to the Democratic measures over the last 20 years, making it easier to register voters they think will vote for their candidates?

(GOP): Yes.(DEM): You mean, our efforts to help people be part of the Democratic process and have their voices heard in state capitals and Washington, D.C.?

Q: No, I mean getting more Democrats elected.

(DEM): Next question.Q: Why shouldnít we make voting a little bit more of an effort?

(GOP): You got me.(DEM): Because itís a right, a right guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution and the more people who vote the better it is for the country.

Q: The Constitution guarantees the right of citizens to bear arms. We donít make that so easy. We donít allow people to get guns without showing proper ID. Most cities, especially those run by Democrats, make it as difficult as possible to own a gun. Why shouldnít the right to vote be treated the same way we treat the right to own a gun? Have it require a little more effort and responsibility.

(DEM): Thatís crazy talk. (GOP): Sounds good to me.

Q: Why do Democrats always want to make it easier for the stupider and lazier to vote?

(DEM): Thatís a horrible and obviously racist thing to say.

Q: Why racist?(DEM): Because we all know that minorities, especially, African Americans ó typically vote for Democrats and they are disproportionately poor and disadvantaged. For you to call them lazy and stupid is racist.

Q: I didnít call them lazy and stupid. You did. I donít care what color the lazy and stupid people are. White, black, yellow or red. Republican or Democrat. I just donít want to make it any easier for any of them to vote.

(DEM): Hater!(GOP): Iím not touching this one with a 14-foot pole.

Q: Speaking of polls, a recent one in the New York Times found that even with all the controversy over PAís new Voter ID law, 62 percent of those surveyed support it. Why is it that according to almost every poll, voters across the country support Voter ID laws by wide margins?

(DEM): Because they are either ill-informed or because they hate the poor, the old, immigrants, the disabled and black people.

(GOP): Thatís a lot of ignorant, hateful people. Maybe we should find a way to make it easier for them to vote.

(DEM): Iím outtaí here.Gil Spencer is a columnist for The Delaware County Daily Times. Check out his spencerblog every day at delcotimes.com.